Madison times. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1884-1???, 1887-12-17
The Three Rivals.
ANeneZuelcan Tragedy.

Henry Moutero and Mary Rodriguez
were Ietrothcd-that is, they had eX-
changed rings. which in Venezuela is
considered as binding tO:thc faith and
troth of either party asthe actual mar
riagc. :;
The lady was of a proud, wealthy
family-the lover had only his COM
mission in the army and large, gen
erOus heart to recommend him. Marie
loved her Henri spite Of Dame Fort
une's frownS. and resolved to marry
him, even in opposition to the will OF
her august relatives and the imper Gus
commands of her stern father and
proud mother. Yes, even while the
devoted attentions of the renowned aud
wealthy Juan Lepuerta, her cousin,
were the talk of all the country round,
and the congratulations of all her
friends upon her conquest OF the old
bachelor, poured in from all sides.
The. stiff periwigged, perfumed gen.
tlcman of fifty presunedt o solicit the
love of girl of seventeen, and 10 i'm
ag.ne that his broad acres. fine build
ings and big bank account were suffi
cient to captiyate the heart of the
Young girl. In this he was mistaken.
The thought that Marie deserted him
inflamed him with setted determina-
ton to possess her at all hazards. Still
gems, trinkcts and the most costly
gifts were returned to him. with a pO-
lite message from the lady that she
was not fond of ornaments. and seldom
wrote them unless they were gifts of
some dear friend whose memory was
cherished
She does not love gold. that is
clear" thought the suitur. There
must then I've some other motive for her
repulSe Marie is romantic. All girls
of seventeen are romantic. \ bower
of roses and q penniless hero for -
lover is all they desire. Yes. Marie is
in love. and with some one else. | must
| find out who Is my rival.
His suspicion soon lighted on Henri,
whom he narrowly watched. Many
were the plans made to draw the un-
susDrcting youth into a snare and anger
| him into quarrel, but in vain. He
hated dueling. and would not be af.
| frOnted.
| There was also another suitor. who,
| of course. hated the other claimants,
especially Henri, whose youth and man.
| l. IN f.4T
He was an eX-English colonel
Halstead. by name-and was man OF
fiery vindictive disposition. and stopped
at nothing to attain his object.
The young ladt's father was indiffar
| ent who she chose. provided the nc
cepted husband added gold TO his col
fers. and each was allowed opportunity
to prosecute his sut.
But the gentle Marie still remained
faithful to her Henri. though he CAV,
her no diamonds. nor promised sp'en
did castles and numerous attendants I,
do homage 10 her beauty. he wa
about to join his regiment. and the
fond couple met to take Il last. perhaps
eternal farewell He Wa. rs usual
full of hope and bright anticipatiOns
she rather sad and deSpOnding; for wa
he not going far away and leaving he
to the solicitations of her other 81 tors
They parted with tears and smiles. an,
he pursued his lonely route TO tn
village.
As he passed through dark cluSte
of waeds. Col. IialStead. suddenly con
fornt1t him.>:t -
"Dfsaw. hound" he. exclaimed
s'draw and defend yourself | vii
messed that last interview. and eithc
you or ] must leave our blood on IN
sward."
Henri stood unmOved.
81 will not stain NV sword in sue
an unworthy quarrel said he. Civ
place, sr If the object of our muta
regard has decided in my favor, it
not nv fault. neither does it lesse
your merits. which would. no doubt
be appreciated by hundreds of fal
damsels as am able as Senorta Rodr
guez.'
Henri said this without the least il
tenton of insulting his rival, but tn
latter mi,constrUed his words. ii
face became livid with rage.
Peasant dog!' he shouted. dashin
his glove in Henri's face. causing tn
: blood to gush from hiS. noStrll Gov
ard! APPEL slandererf will you TAX
N your station. ard decide TINS matter b
fair fightp If YOU do not | will bio
; your brains out!
1t was not in the nature of man
brook so gIarin% an insult without r.
: talation. Henri Snatched a pist'
( from his be and the colonel, sheati
r ing his swoi l. grasped Il similar weal
/ on. Fury canned in the eyes, OF Ii
: com batants; they retreated about s
= PAGES.
= The pistols were already raise'
: when a figure, shrouded beyond reco!
, milton in large cloak, appeared SUI
5 denly from behind a tree. A kni
+, flashed in the moonbeams momen
and the next was buried deep in Il
back of the colonel. who fell de'
withou. groan, the pistol still gras
ed in his hand.